State begins to review certificate of need application for new psychiatric hospital in Washington County

The Oregon Department of Human Services is beginning to review a certificate of need application from Ascend Health Corporation to establish a new 77-bed psychiatric hospital at 10300 S.W. Eastridge St., Portland. This is the location of the former Cedar Hills Hospital in unincorporated Washington County.

Jana Fussell, DHS certificate of need coordinator, said a proposed decision regarding the need for this project will be issued no later than Feb. 5, 2008.

Anyone who has a vested interest in the outcome of the DHS decision may request affected party status. Anyone designated as an affected person will receive copies of relevant correspondence, may testify at or request a public meeting on the issue prior to a decision if the request is made at a reasonable time, and may be a party to any future contested case hearing.

DHS will make a copy of the application available for inspection during normal business hours at 800 NE Oregon Street, Suite 930 in Portland. For further information, please contact Jana Fussell at 971-673-1108.

State law charges DHS with reviewing proposals for new hospitals and nursing homes to ensure that health service are adequately distributed in the state and that health care consumers don’t pay for facilities not justified by community needs.